NOVEL NEXT Chapter 686 - 686 685
686 Chapter 685
Lewis frowned.
Keira glanced at him and nodded slightly.
She had already called her father, Uncle Olsen, and the Freeman Sect’s leader. Both had responded promptly, showing just how fast things could move.
Now, the only person left was Lewis.
Keira moved closer, ready to explain her reasons, but Lewis spoke first. “If something happens to you, some people will take advantage of it, and others will distance themselves to avoid getting caught in the mess. But someone has to stand up for you. Since my reputation as a love-struck fool is already out there, I might as well embrace it.”
Keira was at a loss for words.
Lewis was right. She couldn’t overcompensate just to appease outsiders, or it would seem insincere.
If the three families released statements severing ties, it would look like a show…
Clearing her throat, Keira said softly, “Then I’m sorry for the trouble.”
“Serving my wife is no trouble at all.” Lewis replied with a soft laugh.
Their exchange caught Oliver’s attention, and he sneered. “Dad, did you see that? My little brother is completely enchanted by this woman! He’s disregarding the reputation of the Horton Group!”
Nathan’s face tightened. “Lewis, if you don’t cut ties with her, get out of this house!”
Lewis was about to stand up and declare his loyalty to Keira when a sharp “slap” interrupted him. He turned to see old Mrs. Horton standing up in anger, glaring at Nathan and Oliver.
Unaware of the full context, old Mrs. Horton was visibly furious. Her chest heaved as she pointed at Nathan and Oliver, shouting, “Both of you, be quiet!”
She took a shaky step forward with her cane, directly pointing at Nathan. “Is this how I raised you? If everyone bails when disaster strikes, who can we trust in this family?”
Nathan was taken aback.
Old Mrs. Horton turned her gaze to Oliver. “And you! You’re so cold-hearted that you abandon people at the first sign of trouble. And you still ask me for shares? How can I trust you with the Horton Group?”
Oliver stiffened. “Grandma, that’s not fair. Look at the Olsen family and the Freeman Sect. They’ve distanced themselves too. Her own family and mentor have turned their backs on her. We can’t risk the Horton Group being dragged down by her.”
Old Mrs. Horton took a deep breath. “I don’t care about others, but I can control you! To me, Keira is already my granddaughter-in-law. You two get out! And don’t ever bring up severing ties again!”
Nathan argued, “Mom, do you realize how severe the public backlash is? The Olsen Group’s stock has dropped by ten percent. The Horton Group is being criticized online, and if we don’t disassociate ourselves, people might boycott our products!”
Oliver immediately pulled out his phone. “Grandma, let me read some comments for you.”
“I thought the Olsen Group was involved, but they cleared things up quickly. Restored their reputation.”
“Stock down ten percent. Looks like they’ve realized their mistake. Next on the chopping block? @Horton Group. Heard Miss Olsen is your CEO’s fiancée!”
“Horton Group hasn’t said a word. A reporter even spotted Miss Olsen at the Horton house, proving you’re backing her. Such a disgrace. Unfollowed…”
“Ugh, I used to buy their products, but not anymore!”
“Just canceled everything I bought online!”
“If I could return my house, I’d do it. The cost is just too high…”
“…”
The comments kept coming, and the online discussion was relentless.
Nathan said urgently, “Mom, you see? The Horton Group is being condemned online. If we don’t respond, our stock will plummet!”
Old Mrs. Horton responded resolutely, “Let it drop. Under Lewis’s management, our stock has risen by twenty percent. A ten percent drop won’t ruin us.”
Nathan was speechless.
Before he could respond, old Mrs. Horton shooed them away. “Get out! Stop embarrassing yourselves here!”
Nathan and Oliver exchanged glances, sighed, and left in frustration.
Once they were gone, old Mrs. Horton turned to Keira. “Don’t be afraid, Keira. As long as I’m here, no one will trouble you!”
Keira moved closer to Mrs. Horton and took her arm. “Grandma, don’t worry. My issues will be resolved in four days.”
She didn’t want to add to old Mrs. Horton’s worries, especially given her age.
Old Mrs. Horton’s eyes brightened as she relaxed. She patted Keira’s hand. “I knew you weren’t one to shy away from responsibility. There must be something we don’t know. But as long as you have a clear conscience, don’t worry about what others say.”
Keira nodded.
At that moment, Erin came downstairs, holding her phone. “Charles sent me a message. He and the other brothers are waiting outside.”
—
Outside the Horton house, all of Keira’s brothers had arrived except for Ellis. James, who was closest to Keira, stepped forward, concern etched on his face. “Sis, I understand. Holly Sims, your best friend, is in trouble. It’s only natural you stepped up. Even if it was a mistake, it’s unfair for Uncle to kick you out. You should go speak with him and smooth things over.”
Keira was about to respond when another car pulled up.
The door opened, and Uncle Olsen stepped out, striding toward them.
The brothers immediately stood at attention as Uncle Olsen approached and shot a fierce look at Keira. “Come with me.”
Keira nodded obediently and followed him to the side.
The brothers watched in shock.
James was puzzled. “Is Uncle scolding our cousin? Should we intervene?”
Charles said, “Uncle usually dotes on her. If he’s suddenly kicking her out, it must be to appease the shareholders, not to scold her.”
Almost as soon as he spoke, Uncle Olsen’s face darkened. “What are you doing?”
His tone was harsh.
James and Charles hurried forward, placing themselves protectively around Keira.
James, with a forced smile, said, “Uncle, let’s talk this over calmly…”
Charles added, “Yes, Uncle, she’s a girl. Please don’t be too harsh…”